Nathan MacKinnon, the star center for the Colorado Avalanche, continued his impressive start to the season with a standout performance, scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. This win marks the Avalanche’s strong beginning, as they currently hold a record of 3-0-1.
MacKinnon’s notable game included a moment of humor when he momentarily forgot his goal celebration, a stick twirl followed by a fist pump, after netting his second goal against Buffalo. “I guess I did,” he said upon watching the replay of his celebration, adding he was thrilled to score from a distance not typical for him.
In his 13th season with the Avalanche, MacKinnon has wasted no time in showcasing his scoring ability. With four goals and four assists already this season, he is proving to be a key player, including notching the game-winner in a previous contest against Utah. His accomplishments follow a remarkable previous season where he registered a career-high of 51 goals and was awarded the NHL MVP.
Despite a slow start where Colorado found themselves outshot early on, MacKinnon quickly made his mark, scoring three minutes into the game with a backhand shot from the left side. Coach Jared Bednar praised MacKinnon for providing a much-needed offensive spark during a challenging matchup, especially following a tough shootout loss to Dallas just days prior.
While MacKinnon contributed significantly, his performance was highlighted by an impressive play that led to a disallowed goal, showcasing his relentless pursuit and strength against the Sabres’ defense. He expressed excitement about his growing chemistry with new teammate Martin Necas, noting how much easier he makes plays for him, while recognizing that he missed out on several more scoring opportunities.
As the Avalanche continue their season, MacKinnon’s drive and leadership will be crucial as they aim for success in a competitive league, fueled by the contributions of their talented roster.